got to get better at this....

I really need to to get better at this blogging. Things here at the Howard household have picked up tremondously. One word for that.......FOOTBALL!!!! Matthew and Jacob started last week. They are playing for West Forsyth feeder program. Matthew is on the 7th grade team and Jacob is on the 5th grade team. Timothy and Stephen started this week. Timothy and Stephen also leave for football camp this Sunday. I will be at cheerleading camp on Monday and Tuesday. Yes, I know we are crazy. I am really enjoying working with the cheerleaders. They are a great group of gals!!
I am dreading starting school and am putting it off for as long as I can. I don't think we will start until Timothy starts with Veritas. I have really enjoyed not doing any school this summer.
That is really all there is to tell for the moment. See you guys around....

God Bless,

Michele

Lately.....

Lately, Wow - I feel like I have been away for months. Between traveling to Pennsylvania and our trips and staykations and then camp - I feel lost in my own house. This past week was camp and was it exhausting. This was Fine Arts Camp at North Lanier and me and Trish teach the American Girl class. We love doing this - especially me - it lets met get some of that girliness out of me. We do a different doll each year - this year it was Julie - from the 70's. We made tye dyed shirts, name necklaces, blue jean purses and macromae belts. It was fun but a lot of work. And since I just got home Sunday and camp started Monday - my house was left to sit and stay dirty. So today is meant for me to clean.... UGGG!! But I did promise to post some pictures for you.......

All of us on the golf course

Stephen and Jeff at the hole Stephen "eagled"

The love of my life...

arizona

We are in Arizona right now. We have a dear friend that Stephen met in college and since we were dating, he became a great friend of mine also. His girlfriend at that time has since become his wife and a very close friend also. For about 7 to 8 years now, we try to get away with them once a year. We usually do this in July and the guys pick where they want to golf. Our only conditions are that there is a pool, spa and shopping. This trip has over the years become a time that I treasure with these people. They live in Savannah and are just as busy as we are with their kids, so we really don't see each other that much. We have had some awesome times, some not-so awesome times, but I wouldn't trade this time for anything.
So... We are in Arizona this time. The temperatures have been around 105 - today it is around 114. There is no humidity, so it does not seem that hot - but it is! We have enjoyed some golf. Me and his wife alway go with them one day and drive the carts and act like caddies - we are more like their own personal photographers. We would rather take pictures then figure out what iron or wood that they should use. But it is alway fun. The other day - they play golf while we shop, go to the spa or whatever! We shopped and went to see "The Proposal". We had a great time. Today is a day to just spend time together and have fun. We have spent time at the pool and now we will be heading to shopping (probably to pick up things for the kids we left behind.)

I am learning to treasure times like these more - I guess that comes with age - but they are true blue friends that have seem us through some very trying times in the past and I will be forever grateful for their friendship. I am also learning to appreciate the places that I get to see - and this place is a sure sign that God loves art. What he has done with the landscape in this area is truly breathtaking. I wish I had more time to enjoy it. (maybe even some cooler weather).

I am also truly grateful for Trisha who took my kids at the last minute - when my other babysitter fell through. She has been such a heaven sent friend. I am not too sure how I will repay her.

Well that is it for now - I will try and post pictures.

Michele

A day at the airport.....

Wow! I sat at the airport for around 11 hours, trying very hard to get on a flight to anywhere in Pennsylvania. I am going there to go to my Grandma's furneral. I was able to get Matthew on the first flight out with his grandparents (my mom and dad). There were mix ups and mess ups along the way - but my husband came through in the end. He found a flight to Harrisburg that had seats and we got me listed and finally on a plane. I reached my destination around 10:30 pm and got to the hotel around midnight.

It is a blessing that my dad worked and now is retired from Delta and for that I am so grateful for all the places we have gone over the years and that I can still fly for really cheap. But sometimes trying to go somewhere stand-by can be a bear. But if we must look to positive side of things - I did finish my book, a knitted two caps for my American girl camp and enjoyed "people watching". The wait was not bad - it was just the fact of not knowing if I would get on the next flight.

So....... I am here and looking forward to seeing family that we don't usually get to see and celebrating my grandma's life. She was amazing. She was bigger than life to me and I loved the idea of remembering her that way.

Love you Grandma and say hello to Jesus for me!!!!!!!

Michele